A Little Crafty

In our home, the day we decorate for Halloween is a holiday as big as any other. I'm getting ready with a few homemade items to include this year.

Larger Child's Handprint Ghostie!

Smaller Child's Feeties

Smaller Child's Handprint Speeeeider

Who Knew Fairies Could Get Sick?!?!

Dear Toothfairy,

I think you have forgot to get my tooth.  If you would get it tonight, that would be awesome.  

Are you okay?  What happened?  

Hope you are doing fine. 

I love you!

Jacob

Jacob,
     I am so sorry that I didn't make it to your house last night. I fell ill with a terrible cold and was unable to leave my home. I have rescheduled my stops from last night for tonight and will be leaving a little something extra for you as an apology for the inconvenience.

Please accept my apology.

Tooth Fairy

Dear Toothfairy,

Okay.
Sorry your feeling bad. Hope you feel better very very soon!

-Jacob

Jacob,
I am actually feeling MUCH better, thank you for being so understanding. I can't wait to come and see you tonight!

-Tooth Fairy

toothfairycomplaintdepartment@gmail.com

Concentration Face

We've ALL got one.  Some of us bite our lip, some of us stick out our tongue... Larger Child has a look of deadly focus, of unshakable precision... I call it "Concentration Face." It just so happens to be the same as mine, and my mother's.  Interesting.

Mini Matisse

While I have been on a week long sabbatical from activity to allow a shin splint to heal, and to battle a nasty RA flare, I have been enjoying house time with Smaller Child.  We have been spending our days building (he mostly knocking down) with blocks, vrooming cars across the floor, and catching up on our riveting tales from the Street (that's Sesame Street for you all not in the "know").  But today, after meandering in the backyard for an hour or so, looking at flowers, bugs, leaves, and grass, and swinging from the tree for a while, we came in and I (and by proxy he) was restless.

I have found an incredible outlet for me when I feel this way is to be creative in some way... usually in the crafting realm.  I thought this might be something fun to venture in with Smaller Child today.  He has "colored" some in the past, and has even made his marks with sidewalk chalk, but today I thought it might be fun to leap our way in to the magical world of PAINTS.

This is when I was faced with the HORROR that our house, our house that contains two children under the age of 10 does not possess a single pot of finger paints!!  GAAASP!! So, I decided what harm could it REALLY do if I let him use the washable non toxic variety usually pigeonholed for the older children.  

We started off by stripping the baby.  This is essential.  If you try this at home, do NOT forget this vital step!

Then I placed a piece of paper in front of him, plopped a glob of paint on it, expecting him to go to town the way he did for his birthday cake (who's remnants were still on the drop cloth we were sitting on,) This did not happen, even after my coaxing... so I handed him the brush.

He quickly learned it was much more fun to paint himself than the paper...

So, we ditched the brush for the fingers.

The fact that his hands were covered with goop was both fascinating and alarming to SC.  He kept showing them to me and saying, "huh?!?" as if to ask, "Are you sure this is okay, Mama??"

That's when I opted to pain his entire hands (and feet) to make prints...

I think our Mini Matisse has an eye for aesthetics!

And Smaller Child says, "Muah! PERFECTION!"

Jabberwocky

Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

  Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves,

  And the mome raths outgrabe.

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
  The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
  The frumious Bandersnatch!"



-Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll




I am not sure he's quite the giant dragon monster that Carroll was describing, but I have taken to calling my Smaller Child the Jabberwocky because he is a-jabberin' up a storm, and because it's cute.

Pic of the Week

My son writes his name in NAILS... because he's hardcore like that.

Feetsies: A Lesson in Math Equations... And gravity

I have a math problem...

1 inexperienced walking toddler
+ 1 cool day
= 2 socked (and warm) feet

And

2 socked feet on walking toddler
+ 1 house with all hard floors
= lots of slips and falls

BUT is the following true?

2 warm feet > head contusion?

Perhaps not...

Six-Year-Old Cyrano

So, I heard a story today about a little six (nearly seven) year old boy who told his parents about a crush he has on a girl in school.  Well, his exact words were, "I sort of kiiiind of have a crush on her." Now, the mother of said child asked her son, "Is she funny? Is she smart? Is she kind? Does he have fun when he's around her? Does she treat him nice? Is she pretty?" and got all affirmatives.  So, there was no room for argument.  This mother just had to say, "well okay then."  Then this child told his mother about four other girls he "sort of kind of" had crushes on as well.  This was met with marked silence on her part... and wondering if she needed to have a discussion with a six year old about fidelity, not being a "player," or respecting the feelings of the other girls.  Then reason took over, and she was left with offering a kind smile that was richly received... and the conversation was dropped.

A little while later, this six year old Cyrano de Bergerac asked his parents, who are still processing their feelings of the fact that the once "icky" are now "pretty," if they could help him write the girls a note expressing his feelings towards them.  This was met with nervous nods, and the beginnings of acceptance of their growing child, with the underlying comfort that it was bedtime and said notes would have to wait until the light of day to be composed.  At least one of these parents was kind of hoping the "icky" would return by the next day, and the subject would be closed.

The next morning, the mother of this child was making breakfast for him.  He went to his room, grabbed a piece of paper, and then asked her how to spell "dear, as in 'Dear Lindy,' not the Bambi kind of deer."  After the shock of his knowledge of homonyms wore off, she realized he was writing THE letter.  She took a deep breath and bittersweetly assisted him.

"Dear Lindy I kind of hafe a crush on you and when I say this I am serious :)"  
I removed his signature to protect his innocence.  ha! (It's all about plausible deniability. )

Now, here's the kicker, this mother then wrote a BLOG about all of this.... and POSTED a PICTURE of the Love Letter!  How embarrassing for that child, huh?  Wouldn't you have just KILLED your mother if she would have done something like that??  I mean, come on.  Some things ARE sacred, right?  Right??

On a COMPLETELY unrelated note: I cannot wait to pick up Larger Child from school today, and ask him how his day went.

I Like to Eat, Eat, Eat, Apples and Bananas!

One of Smaller Childs favorite foods is a banana! Bananas and Oreos.... and cheese sticks... and crackers... Oh, and apple chips.  Okay, bananas, cheese sticks, crackers, apple chips... and strawberries.  He loves Cherrios too, and yogurt. He also likes veggie straws...

Well, okay.  Smaller Child isn't exactly what you would call a "picky eater."  But one thing he is fond of, is a good ol' banana!   Today, he was eating a banana, and trying to SAY banana at the same time.  It made for some pretty precious pictures.

He got the "ba-ba-ba-" and then the "na-na-na."  But the whole thing was just too silly for him to take too seriously, as you can tell!  He cracks me up, that one!

Pic(s) of the Week

One of the reasons I love having two boys...
TRUCKS! TRAINS! AND EVERYTHING VEHICULAR!

Flammy Day

Saturday was gorgeous! It was one of those days that the moment you walk outside, you know you can't waste the day.  So, we decided we needed to be out in it, take advantage of it, seize the day.... Flammy Style.

We discussed options, ideas, and opinions as to what we should do, and landed on taking the boys to a big park in the town Beautiful Bald Husband and I grew up.  We knew that park had a fantastic playground, awesome swings, walking trails, and a pond with ducks.  Everything we wanted to make our outdoor Flammy day a success.  So, we loaded up the brood, and headed out.

When we got there, Larger Child headed straight for the swings.  He spent the better part of the playground time here.  He LOVES the swings...

Smaller Child, was more or less, unimpressed with them.

So, we took him on the Big Toy.

I think we have a little adventurer and adrenaline junky like his parents.

Then we spotted a big sand pit.  They had buried "fossils" and "bones" for the kids to discover.  Larger Child got a kick out of this...

But again, Smaller Child... not so much...  I don't think he liked the sand.  He would finally be okay touching it if I would hold it for him.  He hated the fact that he couldn't walk in it.  His little pudgy feet couldn't navigate the terrain.  I understand.  I have a hard time with it too, and I've been walking for 30 years!

Then we decided to walk down to the pond and feed some ducks.  We met a buffalo on the way.

Smaller Child was okay with petting the buffalo, but wouldn't stay on him for a picture.

So, I got one with Larger Child instead.  Any excuse to ride a buffalo!

The ducks at the pond were pretty antisocial.  They wanted none of my bread. They really wanted none of anything.  I got my little girl feelers hurt, expecting a Snow White moment, but alas...

Larger Child and Beautiful Bald Husband spotted a trail in the woods they wanted to explore. I was pushing a non-off-road-approved stroller, so Smaller Child and I parked it under a shade tree and checked out some sticks and rocks instead.

He decided to try one...

Then he decided that wasn't the best of ideas...

Larger Child and BBH came bounding back telling great tales of climbing hills, walking trails, and things I just HAD to see!! So, we set off to explore some more.

Larger Child - HILL CONQUEROR!

He CANNOT be DEFEATED!!

We all managed to hoof our way up the tallest hill and had a moment of "aww" surveying the land, reminiscing about our childhoods,  and enjoying one another's company.

Then we began our trek back to the car.   That is when I had a moment myself, seeing this... realizing just how damn lucky I am.  I mean come on, is there anything greater than that??  Is there anything sexier for a man to do either??

I quickly snapped out of my dreamy haze when I spotted this guy.  They had the statues sprinkled throughout the park, but this one in particular caught my eye, and gave me the shivers.  Not really sure why.  Regardless I felt the need to share. Ha!

I also managed to catch back up to my boys and scoop my Larger Child up for a picture.  That guy.  He's just awesome.

We got back to the car, then drove around the city for a bit.  Took a stroll down memory lane.  Saw all of our old houses, schools, and hang outs.  Showed our kids where and how we grew up.  Then discussed how grateful we are to be where we are in life.  How amazing it was that we crossed paths when we did, and how much of a blessing it is the way life has unfolded for us.

It was a lovely day.  Another one for the memory books.  I realize now too, how lucky we are that Our Book has so many pages.  This is something we value.  We place a lot of importance on having time together as a family (or flammy as we call it).  All of us together, no distractions, just time to enjoy one another.  What a gift that days like this, while AMAZING, are not that uncommon around our home.  What an awesome thing to give our children.  A life where they KNOW they are important to their parents.  Where they have NO DOUBT they are a priority, not a hinderance or distraction.  This was something I had growing up, and I was and will forever be grateful for it.  This is something that I hope to pass on to our kids too.  The realization that we are, at the core, each other's strength and support.

The Hilarious High's and Nauseating Lows of Being a Mom

**Warning** The following post contains discussion of bodily fluids and functions.  It is not intended for those who may be squeamish, or perhaps not for those who have not have close contact with small children for extended periods of time.   You have been warned.

Just as we have washed the medicine droppers, and put away the fever chillers from Smaller Child's sickness, LARGER Child begins to show symptoms of a fun new illness.

For about five days now, Larger Child has been sick with some sort of stomach gunk.  Over the past week, he has spent more time in the bathroom than his father would with a new magazine and a fully charged iPad.  He has gone through about four rolls of toilet paper... if you get my drift.  Do you get it?  Do you understand?  HE'S GOT THE POOPS!

The poor kid can't even make it through a meal.  A trip to the grocery store resulted in a 5 time photo finish to the mens room.  I know he feels awful, I know it is annoying and frustrating, and exhausting.  So, today, Beautiful Bald Husband and I made the executive decision to keep him home and send him to the doctor.

This may have sounded like a no-brainer for most of you, but he has had many strange illnesses over the years.  He has had many many trips to the doctor, and nearly EVERY time they say he is fine, it will pass.. etc etc etc. So, we try to hold out these days, knowing this will probably be the result.  BUT, a five day long poopapaloza warrants a trip to the doc, ifffen you ask me.

Then there was the other side of this, the sweet LC side.  He had been waiting ALL school year (all 12 days of it) to be the classroom helper, and TODAY was HIS day.  He was so devastated to miss class he spent the better part of a half an hour this morning with his face buried in a pillow sobbing. I did manage to convince him that Momma and Daddy were not doing it to be mean, and we needed to figure out what was wrong and get him well.  He managed to sulk his way out of the bed, and I sent an email to his teacher filling her in on what was going on.  I even included the previous anecdote as a "isn't that sweet, don't we just love how much he loves school" story.

So, on the ride to the doctor, this child who has been maybe seven or eight too many times begins to ask questions... the kind of questions that make it clear he is getting nervous about what may happen.  I had to convince him both that he would not be getting shots, and that there was no need for them to swab his throat for a tummy ache quickly to avoid the panic I was beginning to detect in his voice.  The nurse checked his vitals, weight, height, made a joke about roller coasters (which set him off on a story about a recent trip to Frontier City), and we waited for the doctor.

(Side Note: All the time that Brother was getting checked out, you could see the recall and concern in Smaller Child's face.  He kept a VERY close eye on the situation. Snacks wouldn't even distract him.  I couldn't tell if it was concern for Brother, or if it was to make sure that Lady in the Scrubs wasn't coming near him!)

The doctor came in, talked for a bit, listened to his stomach, and poked and prodded around.  He then told me that it wouldn't be food poisoning, or it wouldn't have lasted this long.  It may be a virus, but it hasn't spread, and it is lasting pretty long for that too.  He said that he suggested checking out a stool sample, and then if it comes back clean (a pretty subjective word in that case) and he is still having issues in a week, they would send him to a gastroenterologist. Then I heard LC begin to breath deep.  I smiled and reassured him that none of that was scary, and once he learned what a "stool sample was" and contained his giggles, he was okay.

We went by the lab, collected our supplies for the sample and started back home.  On the way, I explained what a GI doctor was.  I said it was a big scary name for a tummy doctor.  I then explained that just because they may have a big scary name, they are not a big scary doctor, and used Momma's rheumatologist as an example.  I think this relieved him.  I forget sometimes that even though he may talk and act like a 30 year old, he is still just a child, with things he doesn't understand, experiences he hasn't had, and fears he may not know how to handle.  It was a good reminder to be mindful of his tender heart, and remember he may still need me once in a while after all.

Once the anxiety of being at the doctor wore off, he began to chatter.  First he told me how great of a doctor's visit that was.  When I asked him why, he said, "I just went in, got to find out how tall I was and how much I weigh.  Then I played with toys until the doctor came in to tickle my belly.  Then I got a sticker for it, and I left!"  Can't argue with that! Ha!

Somehow we got in to a discussion about Bob Marley.  He asked me, "Why wouldn't he shoot the deputy?  I mean, if he were to shoot the sheriff and leave the deputy, wouldn't the deputy kill him?"  I said, "Good point.  Not very smart, huh?"  "Nope."

Not five minutes after we made the half an hour long drive home, LC tells me, "Mom, I have to poop." Joy.  Faaantastic.  This was one of those moments where I wanted to call in my stunt double.  I wanted to tap out and tag my fellow wrestler in.  That is when I look around and realize that, nope... it's just me.  Pull on my rubber gloves, take my last clean breath, and do what needs to be done.

Yeah, that happened. I may never be the same.

So, we all pile BACK in to the car and head back to the doctor, with fresh sample in hand, and a little less dignity and grace. On the way, I got an email from LC's teacher responding that she was so sorry to hear he was sick, thanked me for letting her know, and told me to assure him that he will get the opportunity to be the "helper" on Monday. This lead in to a fabulous conversation about how when we let go of trying to control things, release and do what we know is right, it will ALWAYS work out the way it is suppose to.  I love being able to teach some great life lessons in daily experiences.  It seems to help, and he can recall on these past experiences later.

When we got to the doctor, we were about to get out of the car, and LC stopped me.  "Mom, wait! When will we get this back?"  I about fell over.  I had to compose myself before responding, so I didn't embarrass him.  "Never.  They are going to keep it forever.  Put it on a shelf with your name in neon." (Face paled, chin dropped) "NO, I'm kidding... Well dear, do you want IT back?  They will just study it, run some tests on it, and then get rid of it." "Oh, okay." We dropped off the specimen, and went home.

That was my day.  How was yours?

He's Got the Moves Like Mama...

Smaller Child and I spent the better part of the afternoon today lounging in the living room, playing with blocks, cups, rings, and all things toddler, aaaaand getting caught up on my reality dance show viewing.  I confess, I have a secret addiction to So You Think You Can Dance? (or SYTYCD for us in the "know.")  I feel somewhat comfortable with this, especially now that it is only on one night a week, and it is a short season summer show lasting only about two and a half months.  I also feel comfortable with this because, well, I like it... and who cares!

ANYWHO, we were in the living room, playing and watching the impressively talented dancers compete on the television.  Suddenly, I noticed Smaller Child walking in circles, swaying his hips, trying to hop, and moving his arms.  This went on for some time while I scrambled to find my camera phone and not make it obvious enough to break his focus.  I DID manage to catch some of the magic... though it was only a tidbit of the greatness that I actually did witness.

I was so moved by his movement! He was dancing!! This is not the first time he has swayed his hips in response to music, but he was watching the dancers on T.V. and was inspired and responding to their movements.  That's how it works, music.  It has this ability to grab some of us and not let go.  As we get older we find ways to stifle this itch, or tell ourselves that we aren't good enough to let loose and go the way we once did as a child.  We tie our limbs down with self-doubt and insecurity.  We glue our feet to the ground with the notion that it is not "appropriate" or "socially acceptable."  Wouldn't it be great if, when we were so inclined, we just ripped off all that hold-back-tape?  Wouldn't it be fantastic if, when a rhythm or a beat seeped its way in to our hearts, we just let go? It works when we were one!

Alright, enough of the philosophizing... here he is.  I wish he would always be this free!